New smoking regulations for Ramadan tents in Dubai

Dubai Municipality has released a new set of smoking regulations for Ramadan tents in hotels.

According to the regulations, Ramadan tents should be within the borders of the hotel, but isolated from other hotel facilities and restaurants, Al Bayan reported.

The temporary tents should provide proper ventilation and air conditioning in accordance with Dubai's smoking law. They should also obtain a permit from the Civil Defence to provide shisha services, and shisha preparing areas should be completely isolated from the tent. Offering shisha outdoors is prohibited.

The tents will be open during Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr, in addition to 5 working days for dismantling the tent.

The municipality stated that the smoking permit can be lifted, regardless of its validity, in case of any complaints. The permit will not be valid in case of violation of one of the conditions stipulated in



Federal Law on Tobacco Control.

The municipality reserves the right to revoke the permit for updated health policies and maintaining public health. According to the municipality, the permit is not valid in the event of any change in the location.

A 'no smoking' sign must be placed in all smoke-free locations and people under the age of 18 are not allowed to enter. A warning poster must be placed at the smoking area entrance. Smoking guests should be kept away from nonsmokers, with a minimum distance of 3 feet.

Dubai Municipality stated that the smoking area should be at least 25 feet away from the exits and entrances of the tents, and ventilation and air-conditioning systems. The tent should have a clear emergency exit, equipped with fire extinguishers and a first aid kit, and employees should be trained in case of an emergency. All employees must obtain valid occupational health cards.